The Gili Islands are a group of 3 small islands east of Bali. The first one on the left is Gili Trawangan (AKA "Gili T"), which is the largest of the three. Gili T is known for its wild night life, which includes 24/7 loud music and many drunk tourists. The next one, in the middle, is Gili Meno, rumored to be the most untouched and least "developed" of the three. Supposedly, staying here offers a very relaxing and laid-back experience. The last one, Gili Air, is known for being a good balance between Gili T and Gili Meno—not a crazy over-developed, over-crowded party place, yet not as "dull" as Gili Meno. Gili Air has more options—such as a good range of accommodations, activities and restaurants. Because we like balance, we chose Gili Air for our 4 day, 3 night stay. While this sneaky little island does make a good setting for some awesome photos, we don't believe a few nice photos are worth the trek.

Here is what I feel you should know:

It is pretty expensive to get there from Bali (about $100, round trip per person). It is also a quite choppy 1.5 hr ride each way. Don't forget to factor in the additional 1-2 hour transportation within Bali to/from the Padang Bai harbor.

The island stinks, and I mean it in the most literal way possible. It is a tiny island and it appears that they only remove the collected garbage every few days by way of transfer over to Lombok (bigger, main Island), in boats. Until that pick up time comes, huge piles of smelly garbage get piled on shore by the harbor to welcome the arriving tourists. They also constantly use water hoses (judging by the smell, possibly re-used or sewer water) to wet the sand in the pathways throughout the island to make it more solid and therefore easier to walk/ride bicycles on. This doesn't help the odor situation on the island.

There doesn't seem to be a fresh water source, so I can only assume they outsource their water. The water there (shower/faucets) also stinks. Our hair got really sticky and showers didn't feel as a cleansing as they should. If you do make it to the island, definitely make it a point to only drink/brush with mineral water.

What is marketed as white sandy beaches is actually razor-sharp broken, dead coral. This makes enjoying the beach a very difficult experience.

The food there isn't nearly as good as in Bali and it is certainly over-priced in comparison. Same goes for accommodations.

The locals are a bit "detached" and aren't as nice as what we got used to in Bali.

There is a lot of construction happening on the island, seems like they are trying to catch up with the influx of tourism. Not too pretty or too convenient.

The above is a pretty gloomy picture but that is the plain reality. Disclaimer: we aren't big divers, which is said to be pretty good in the Gilis. Then again, from what we've heard, the diving highlight is seeing a sea turtle. You can do that in so many other, more beautiful places.

Where to stay

Desa Seni Village Resort is a quick portal to the mind-body-spirit connection you've been searching for, not to mention the nature connection too. We highly recommend splurging on a few nights, or staying there for as long as time or money allows. We literally started doing the math on how much it would cost to live there forever. :) Their amazing staff will address you by name, and their on-site gardens produce 80% of the organic herbs and vegetables used on the restaurant's menu. This truly authentic eco-village also offers Canguu's most sought-after yoga, meditation classes (the teachers are amazing) and spa treatments. Book now, thank us later. Prices from $180 per night.

www.desaseni.com

Where to eat

If you've ever dreamed of finding yourself drinking and dining in the middle of a gypsy village on the beach (and we bet you did!), this is your place. These guys own several restaurants in Bali including La Favela in Seminyak, and each one of their places is an intricate piece of art.

With its close proximity to the airport and the wide access to any type of activity, Seminyak can easily be your home-base when visiting Bali, or maybe the place you spend the first/last few days of your Bali vacation. Seminyak is located north of Kuta and is known as the more relaxed, less hectic area in comparison to Kuta (where you will mostly find a party-hungry crowd). There is plenty to do in Seminyak and it is a cool area that should definitely be explored, but keep in mind that (in our opinion) it is less of an authentic Bali experience and more of a fun, good-vibe vacation spot.

Where to stay

Jeje's Secret Wooden HouseCheck prices and availabilityGreat value for the price, these uniquely designed Balinese cabins with AC are located on a beautiful property. 10 minute scooter drive from the center of Seminyak. Approx. $38 per night.

Where to eat

Owned by the same guys who own La Laguna in Canggu and a few other spots on the island, there are no words can truly do justice to describe this place. Take your time walking around to explore the one-of-a-kind unique design and art. The different floors and the many hidden rooms will leave you jaw-dropped. Food and cocktails are great. Pricier for Bali but nothing too crazy, and it's certainly worth it. Take note: At night the furniture disappears and the place turns into a well-known bar/club.

Uluwatu features some of Bali's (and the world's) most unique and beautiful beaches and surf spots. Be sure to spend at least a few days there to relax and soak up some sun, surf or watch the awesome waves. Good food also guaranteed!

Great spot for beer or cocktails while watching an amazing sunset and some great waves. Weekend nights can get pretty wild so if you're into it, this is a bar with a party scene. A bit pricier for Bali.

What to do

A beautiful temple with amazing views on the edge of a cliff. They have a traditional Balinese dance performance daily at 6pm (approx. $8). It costs about 7 cents to enter the parking lot with a motorbike or 15 cents with a car. Entrance fee to the temple is about $1.5. Pro tips: You must wear a Sarong in order to enter the temple, bring your own or get one for free while buying your entrance ticket. Arrive around 5pm so you can walk around for 45 minutes before getting a seat for the show. They start selling tickets at 5pm and it can get pretty hectic pretty fast. Stay calm, have the exact cash ready (100,000 IDR per person), push your way through the many tour guides and wave the money while yelling the number of tickets ("two tickets please!!"). Kind of like Wall Street. Important: There are monkeys walking around the temple. Unlike the monkeys at the Sacred Monkey Forrest in Ubud, these ones are pretty aggressive. Absolutely do not wear sunglasses, jewelry, hold a bottle of water, or generally have any loose articles. These monkeys will snatch your stuff in no-time, and there is no getting it back. Try to avoid these monkeys and do not make eye contact, there are plenty of other opportunities to meet some nice monkeys in Bali. :)

The many steps that lead to this magical beach are surely worth it. Spend the day there and as the evening unfolds watch all the fishermen set up tables on the sand for an awesome seafood feast. You will be able to choose your fresh fish on the spot, and sip a beer while they grill your selections.

As you drive across the main street (Jalan Labuansait) and cross a small bridge, you won't miss this gem of a beach. It is the one where many people stop on the side of the road to snap an awesome photo from above. If you pass the bridge driving east, the entrance will be on the left. They charge about 75 cents to enter but it is certainly worth it!

Although a bit difficult to find (take the left lane at this fork and follow the "Uluwatu Beach" signs), this one is truly a hidden paradise. Pro tip: when arriving down there, do not miss the even-more-hidden beach nicknamed "Sunny Beach". You will have to go through the cave on your left. Not to worry, it's really easy! And wait until you see the beach that gets revealed!

Bali, in general, and Uluwatu, specifically, features some of the world's most amazing waves. Whether you are a pro-surfer or just interested in taking some lessons, Bali has you covered. We spent a few days at Rapture Surf Camp and had fun. Things to note: they have two camps in Bali. Their "Padang Padang" surf camp is better-situated and generally has a warmer feel to it. I don't think this company is a good choice if this is your first time surfing. Also, be sure to surf with lycra on, no matter what they say. Even though the water temp is great, wax + salt water + exposed chest = a painful experience.

Located in the heart of Bali, this jungle of a place has some amazing restaurants, boutiques, as well as nature treks. Many people who visit Ubud on a quick day tour seem to find it underwhelming. We are guessing that it's due to those people being dropped off on the main street, which is a serious tourist hub (to give you an idea, that street is the home of the only Starbucks we saw in Bali). The real magic of Ubud is hiding in the side-streets and the outskirts. We seriously believe that Ubud and its environs are places not to be missed.

Where to stay

To get the most out of this place you should definitely check out the many Airbnb's and homestay villas available in and around Ubud. We stayed in Tegalalang which is a 15 minute scooter drive from central Ubud.

Christina's villa in TegalalangCheck prices and availabilityA private loft-style villa with a pool, Approx. $70 per night, suitable for a couple.

Taman Thai VillaCheck prices and availabilityA cool, newly built villa with with traditional Balinese design and wonderful rice field views. The villa features a large living room and kitchen, plus 3 bedrooms with en-suite private bathrooms. Rooms can be rented separately, approx. $40 per night. Great Thai restaurant on property.

What to do

This volcano is located in northern Bali so it is suggested that you book the tour while staying in Ubud. Highly recommended to hike it over-night so you can watch the sunset at the top. Be sure to bring warm clothing! Do it with a private guide. There are many options on Trip Advisor or get in touch with us and we can share our guide's information.

Ever watched the movie "The Bucket List"? Go try Jack Nicholson's favorite coffee - world-famous Kopi Luwak. Great experience where you will get to taste many types of unique coffees and teas in a beautiful setting. Only costs a few dollars!

A silver welding and jewelry making class where you'll leave with your own finished creation, ready-to-wear. Chez Monique is an ever-unique experience inside a family's home and business that will tap you into the craftsmanship culture of Ubud. Cost: approx. 33 USD. Time: 2-3 hours.

Come to learn the ancient ways of Balinese woodwork or tapestry painting, and leave with your own art piece + memories of Ubud's cutest family; all of which will surely last a lifetime. Wayan's passion for life, art and education is contagious. We can't wait to come back to volunteer in his English-speaking classes for his community, coming soon! Cost: approx. 30 USD. Time: 3-4 hours.

A hidden gem and true bargain. It's difficult to choose the best thing about this place: their on-site fruit and herb garden is the source of your tea, massage oil, and fruit plate; their staff is another special extension of Balinese warmth and hospitality. If you're looking for a traditional spa experience in Bali, the name says it all. $14 for 60 minutes.

A beautiful place to visit and walk around. Friendly monkeys all over the place, guaranteed. Be sure to pass the entrance quickly in order to venture to the less touristy areas and have some 1 on 1 (or 5 on 1) time with the monkeys. There are ladies who sell banana bunches so you can feed them, approx. $2 for a small bunch and $4 for a large. Pro tips: Don't wear any jewelry or sunglasses as the monkeys snatch them for their own. Go earlier in the day, as the monkeys can get over-indulged by the hoards of tourists—to the point they won't interact. If you want to snatch a photo with a monkey hold a banana above your shoulder or your head, and they will climb you like a tree. Nothing to fear! These guys are cool. Entrance cost is $3 per person.

Bali is a portal, where in the midst of the tourist hustle—full of vegans and yogis racing through the streets (as if it were New York) in search of pranna—there are the Balinese people, who open up a world of new magic if you simply share a smile. And so off you go, smiling all day to these Balinese who live their lives below the surface of the tourism: they tend the rice patties, and beat drums with the buzz of the bugs. They present hand-made offerings to the temple gods, who seem to have more real estate on this island than the Balinese themselves.